Strategies and statements on child and adolescent health
On this page we will link to important strategies on child and adolescent health.
School health services
School health services are part of the whole school approach that is promoted by WHO through the Global School Health Initiative launched in 1995. The initiative supports countries to implement the four pillars for Health Promoting Schools: 1) Health promoting school policies 2) Safe and healthy learning environment, 3) Skills-based health education, and 4) School-based health and nutrition services. On this WHO webpage on school health services you can find norms, standards and guidelines for school health and school health services.
The Paris Declaration (2016)
A high-level conference was held in Paris, France, on 7–8 December 2016. The theme was: Promoting intersectoral and interagency action for health and well-being in the WHO European Region: working together for better health and well-being. The conference brought together the health, education and social sectors. The overall aim was to foster better and more equal health and well-being and improved social outcomes for children, adolescents and their families through strengthening intersectoral cooperation and joint action in the WHO European Region. The result of the meeting is shown in "The Paris Declaration".
17 Sustainable development goals, United Nations (2015)
United Nation's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Building on the principle of “leaving no one behind”, the Agenda emphasizes a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all. Especially goal number 3: Good Health and Well-being, and goal number 4: Quality Education, is important in the work with health promoting schools. Read about the 17 sustainable goals.
Investing in children: the European child and adolescent health strategy 2015–2020
The Member States in the WHO European Region have joint this strategy. Targeted effort is needed to break the negative cycles in childhood and adolescence to enable children and young people to develop into healthy, happy and competent individuals who can make a positive contribution to their own health and to society. Read the strategy in several languages.
The Moscow Statement
The 5th European Conference on Health Promoting Schools was held on 20–22 November 2019 in Moscow, Russian Federation. As a result of the research and case studies presented and discussions among conference participants, 6 recommendations for action in the field of school health promotion have been developed. They are addressed to all actors in governmental, nongovernmental and other organizations at international, national and regional levels, engaging with schools and/or school health promotion. Read the recommendations.
Convention on the Rights of the Child
The Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) is the most rapidly and widely ratified international human rights treaty in history. The Convention changed the way children are viewed and treated – i.e., as human beings with a distinct set of rights instead of as passive objects of care and charity. The unprecedented acceptance of the Convention clearly shows a wide global commitment to advancing children’s rights. Read the convention.
Guidance on how to involve adolescents and young people in decision-making about their health.